Is Lauri Markkanen playing? Latest injury report for Raptors vs. Jazz 12/23

After another tough loss against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Toronto Raptors find themselves in a nightmare scenario outside of the playoff picture. The team is bad, but not bad enough to get their first-round pick back from the San Antonio Spurs, which is an indictment of this front office.

The Raptors will get a chance to bounce back and head into Christmas with a win against a beatable Utah Jazz team. While Lauri Markkanen has the propensity to go off at any time, the Jazz have enough scorers to beat up on a Raptors team that has had some defensive issues lately.

The Raptors might be playing on the second night of a back-to-back in this contest, but it would still be a very tough look for Darko Rajakovic if they are unable to slam the door shut on a disappointing team that is suffering some injury problems to some of their bigger players.

Christian Koloko Injury Status for tonight’s Raptors vs. Jazz game

The story remains the same for Koloko, as the respiratory illness that has sidelined him all year remains potent enough to sideline him. Even after progressing to on-court work, he doesn't appear to be anywhere close to getting on the court in the immediate future.

Lauri Markkanen Injury Status for tonight’s Raptors vs. Jazz game

After sitting out in Utah's win against the lowly Pistons due to load management, the Jazz seem ready to put the trade chip Markkanen back out on the floor. With how vital he is to their offensive plan of attack, the Finnish star could be enough to bring his team another upset victory.

Projected Starting Lineups Tonight

Toronto

PG Dennis Schroder
SG OG Anunoby
SF Scottie Barnes
PF Pascal Siakam
C Jakob Poeltl

Utah

PG Collin Sexton
SG Jordan Clarkson
SF Lauri Markkanen
PF John Collins
C Walker Kessler

Toronto Raptors next five opponents

The Raptors' schedule includes games against two of the worst teams in the league in brutal Washington and historically bad Detroit as well as one of the game's best in division rivals like Boston.

Dec. 27 @ Washington Wizards
Dec. 29 @ Boston Celtics
Dec. 30 @ Detroit Pistons
Jan. 1 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Jan 3 @ Memphis Grizzlies

Raptors injury report

Christian Koloko-OUT-Respiratory condition

Jazz injury report

Keyonte George-OUT-Foot
Jordan Clarkson-QUESTIONABLE-Hamstring
Talen Horton-Tucker-QUESTIONABLE-Foot